Charge for studio design

WeeFace · 9th July 2008

I've recently been contacted by someone who wants me to design the acoustics and gear spec for a studio.
I have experience in the field but it's not something I've ever done for a stand alone fee, it's either been part of an existing job, or for a favour. As a result, I haven't the slightest idea what sort of money to charge for the service!
It's a relatively small studio + rehearsal room setup, looking to charge around £20/hr, so we're not talking fortunes for incredibly fancy acoustics - just some basic treatment and construction to get a decent enough couple of rooms, as the competition at this price level usually doesn't bother with anything at all! I'll also be staying on at the facility as the main engineer, the owner is setting it up to work with his record label.
Anyone have any thoughts how much I should ask for? Don't want to undersell, but don't want to scare him off either :-)
Thanks

Neil

Glenn Kuras · 9th July 2008

I have seen rates ranging from $150 to $400 per hour, but those are for guys that have a history/education in acoustics.

Glenn

WeeFace · 9th July 2008

Thanks for the quick reply Glenn! :-)

I do have some experience and training in the field, but I couldn't say I'm a professional acoustician or anything, and the studio in question is far below that sort of budget anyway. I think I'll have to throw out a figure and just come to an agreement with the guy :-)

andrebrito · 11th July 2008

I personally charge for 2 room studios around 1000-1500 € and find it to be cheap since I do all the 3D schematics. I actually would be interested on knowing the prices in London since I'm moving there in 2 months.

A good project is the basis for everything.

WeeFace · 13th July 2008

Thanks Andre!
Do you find clients prefer a 3D sketchup type image, or a more traditional technical drawing?

andrebrito · 16th July 2008

I actually do both but I think clients are easily impressed with 3D Sketchup pictures, particularly if they are rendered ! :-)

9th July 2008	#1
WeeFace Gear Head Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 61 Thread Starter	Charge for studio design I've recently been contacted by someone who wants me to design the acoustics and gear spec for a studio. I have experience in the field but it's not something I've ever done for a stand alone fee, it's either been part of an existing job, or for a favour. As a result, I haven't the slightest idea what sort of money to charge for the service! It's a relatively small studio + rehearsal room setup, looking to charge around £20/hr, so we're not talking fortunes for incredibly fancy acoustics - just some basic treatment and construction to get a decent enough couple of rooms, as the competition at this price level usually doesn't bother with anything at all! I'll also be staying on at the facility as the main engineer, the owner is setting it up to work with his record label. Anyone have any thoughts how much I should ask for? Don't want to undersell, but don't want to scare him off either :-) Thanks Neil

9th July 2008	#2
Glenn Kuras Gear Guru Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 11,003	I have seen rates ranging from $150 to $400 per hour, but those are for guys that have a history/education in acoustics. Glenn __________________ Glenn Kuras GIK Acoustics USA GIK Acoustics Europe 770 986 2789 (USA) +44 (0) 20 7558 8976 (UK) See the NEW Soffit Bass Trap

11th July 2008	#4
andrebrito Lives for gear Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lisbon, Portugal Posts: 961	I personally charge for 2 room studios around 1000-1500 € and find it to be cheap since I do all the 3D schematics. I actually would be interested on knowing the prices in London since I'm moving there in 2 months. A good project is the basis for everything. __________________ Singer/Songwriter/Producer/Acoustical Engineer http://www.onlineacoustics.com - Acoustics ! http://www.mel-music.com - project of mine with a female singer http://www.sonicflames.com - Indie Label & Audio/Music Services http://www.spinousmusic.com - my one man band project

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13th July 2008	#5
WeeFace Gear Head Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 61 Thread Starter	Thanks Andre! Do you find clients prefer a 3D sketchup type image, or a more traditional technical drawing?

16th July 2008	#6
andrebrito Lives for gear Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lisbon, Portugal Posts: 961	I actually do both but I think clients are easily impressed with 3D Sketchup pictures, particularly if they are rendered ! :-)